This week St Hilda’s along with the rest of the nation celebrated Reconciliation Week. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme this year is “Be a Voice for Generations” and encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
The St Hilda’s Reconciliation Committee, consisting of 35 girls and 6 staff members, is strong and growing. Our members are passionate and strive for recognition and belonging for all students, while constantly looking for creative ways to help others find their voice.
A number of activities were planned throughout the week:
- South Summit Band performed on Sorry Day.
- Ben McGuire provided a Welcome to Country at the assembly and our students lead a short recognition to promote Reconciliation Week.
- Led by Year 12 Boarding Official, Lesley Snowball and the Reconciliation Committee, a sand mural representing the four houses and the Reconciliation theme was designed. We were lucky enough to have had the help of Jeffrey Farrell a Malgan /Amungu man from Fortescue Mines who partners with MADALAH to assist the girls. Jeffrey Farrell’s sister Tiarnha Kickett boarded at St Hilda’s and graduated in 2007.
- In the Belonging Program, we have engaged Whadjuk elder, Robyn Collard to talk to the Year 10 students about Aboriginal spirituality and Tobiasz Miller spoke to the Year 7s about Aboriginal kinship. The Year 8s will also have an allocated time later in June to learn about Aboriginal Religion.
- The Year 7s are excited to be a part of our annual ‘Yalunga’ (Traditional Indigenous) games run by the Reconciliation Committee students.
- There are also some exciting projects for staff both on and off campus.
As part of our commitment, St Hilda’s Reconciliation Action Plan committee which consists of members from the Executive Team, key stakeholders and partnerships, staff and past students, have been working behind the scenes to complete our RAP. It has been an engaging process, demonstrating our passion for continuing the connection with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and implementing some new initiatives moving forward.
